The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, says there is nothing exciting about Nigeria’s 62nd independence anniversary.
Oluwo, in a statement on Saturday by his press secretary, Alli Ibrahim, said Nigeria got its independence too soon.
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He said while Nigeria started on a very good note in the hands of the colonialists, the independence should have been delayed till 2000s.
He blamed Nigeria’s woes on politicians and leaders who have managed the affairs of the country, saying if not for their selfishness, heartlessness and incompetence, Nigeria would have been a developed nation.
The traditional ruler advised the present political leaders to change their ways and make the country better.
He said: “Nothing to be Happy about in 62 years of Nigeria Independence Day and the irony of it is that, we took the independence too soon and left our future in the hands of some heartless leaders. Many of our leaders are selfish, incompetent and not God fearing. May nature reward them accordingly for what they have done for Nigeria.
“I challenge them to individually come out to highlight the good they have done for this country. At every independence day like this, the air space should be provided for all of them to tell us the pride they have brought to this country. We deserve better. We have everything to our advantage to be one of the very few greatest countries of the world, but leaders, to our disadvantage.
“As a natural paramount ruler, I’m proud of my achievements as an incorruptible monarch of merit to my kingdom. I take nothing from my people. I protect their interest and resources. I give account of my stewardship and always demand they challenge me when I unlawfully take from their sweat. As one of the leaders today, I’m so proud of myself and beat my chest.
“I’ve the hope we can still kick and better. The ball has not crossed the bar. Nigerians should start electing and appointing credible individual into position of authority and always request for stewardship. We have the power to reject any elected or appointed leader whose governance is of curse to us”
“The masses must unite to dispossess people of no conscience power. It is now, it is already late but not too late.”